Although CBS Sports and NFL.com projected Leonard to go undrafted, the Saints were clearly enamored with him to take him 127th overall. Leonard said the Saints came to work him out in Tallahassee during the pre-draft process, and he thought he impressed.

"I'm happy the Saints believe in me like I believe in myself, and they see it in me like I see it in me," he said. "And I'm really excited, man."

Leonard said Florida State offensive line coach Rick Trickett kept pushing him to switch to offensive line after arriving on campus. Finally, after playing minimally as a freshman and sophomore, Leonard agreed and quickly made the transition to start six games as a junior and all 13 as a senior.

Leonard will provide depth along the offensive line, something the Saints noted as a key need heading into this year's draft.

Leonard should have time to develop considering the Saints have starting tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk in place as well as veteran backup Jermon Bushrod.

The Saints had a need for another backup offensive lineman after losing Senio Kelemete in free agency, and they had the luxury of picking one at any position, largely because of the position flexibility of Andrus Peat.

Leonard only played right tackle the past two years, but he's confident he can play left tackle or even guard if the Saints ask him.

"I'm willing to play wherever they need whenever they need to do whatever this team needs to do to win," he said.

The Saints' next pick, barring a trade, is 164th overall in the fifth round.